Is it normal aging or something more serious like Alzheimer’s?

With Alzheimer’s disease and dementia seemingly more widespread, do you ever worry that your loved one’s memory challenges and slower thought processes may be more than just ordinary aging? This list, created with help from the Alzheimer’s Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can help you decide if you or your loved ones may be experiencing serious symptoms.

Forgetting, or taking extra time to recall, names, dates, appointments etc. is fairly common as we age. If we can eventually recall these details, it might just be normal aging.

Possibly Serious: Memory loss that affects day-to-day functions

One of the most common early signs of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions multiple times, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids, such as reminder notes or electronic devices.

It’s not unusual to have to take a moment or two to think about how to operate an appliance or to remember how your spouse likes his or her coffee, so long as these lapses are infrequent and temporary.

If you notice your loved one being confused about or struggling to recall how to do familiar tasks, such as getting to a frequently visited destination or making a favorite meal, it may be cause for concern. 

Fumbling for the right word or having to re-word a sentence when the right word isn’t on the tip of your tongue is not a cause for alarm, especially if the missing word does eventually come to you. 

Carrying on a conversation often becomes difficult for people with Alzheimer’s. Common warning signs include struggling to follow the conversation, repeating themselves often, and incorrectly naming everyday objects.

Everyone makes mistakes and bad choices once in a while, like failing to notice that the gas gauge is on empty or failing to refuel before the vehicle runs out on the side of the road. This is only worrisome if it becomes a pattern. 

Simple, everyday choices, such as what to eat, what to wear, and what to do, become challenging, and you may notice changes in the types of choices your loved ones make. Changes in personal care habits and spending choices are examples. 

Mild slips in memory can be frustrating, so it’s not unusual for older adults to become irritable from time to time. Perhaps as a way to compensate for the slips, older adults may develop routines, and disruption in those routines can be annoying.

Significant changes in mood and personality, such as paranoia, anxiety or aggression, may occur. 

At Aldersgate Village, our memory care services are: 

Secure, so you can have peace of mind that your loved one will be safe

Professionally staffed 24/7 with licensed caregivers who will treat your loved ones with compassion and respect

Specially designed with:

To learn more about our memory care services, please visit aldersgatevillage.org/memorycare, complete the form at aldersgatevillage.org/contact-us, or give us a call at 785-478-9440.